Ethiopia Prime Minister Meles Dies at 57

After fighting a undisclosed illness Ethiopia Prime Minster Meles Zenawi died at hospital in Brussels Monday. “Prime Minister Zenawi suddenly passed away last night. Meles was recovering in a hospital overseas for the past two months, but died of a sudden infection at 11:40,” stated Ethiopian TV.

Although Ethiopia is at a mourning stage, leaders around the world continue to remember PM Meles in a positive way. According to BBC News Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President of Liberia stated:

“Meles Zenawi was an economic transformer, he was a strong intellectual leader for the continent. In our regional meetings he stood out because of his intellect and his ability to respond and to lead dialogue on matters relating to African development. He will be missed in all of our meetings and all of our endeavour.

I don’t have fears [over the transition] because I believe there are many other leaders in Ethiopia who will get the support of regional leaders to make the transformation that is necessary, moving towards an open society.”

Meles has been in power since ousting Mengistu Haile Mariam’s military junta in 1991.With over 20 years of political involvement with Ethiopia, Meles has brought peace and prostpority to a reigon who has not known nothing but turmoil. I hope his legacy continues to forward not only the nation, but Africa as a whole.